Boot Camp life....

Wow, what an adventure. I must say that Recruit Training Command Great Lakes was quite possibly one of the best experiences I've had so far in my life. Our RDC's were very helpful teaching us everything such as teamwork, confidence not only in yourself but others, honor, courage, commitment, and skills such as firefighting, marching, marksmanship, and swimming. I spent a short 7 1/2 weeks at boot camp and it was something I'll never forget. There's not really a whole lot I can say about what we did, mainly because I'm not allowed to disclose that sort of information. One thing I can say though, if you ever decide to join the Navy, it's one of the easiest things you can ever do. Just do what you're told to, do it right, and give everything 110%.

I'm currently sitting back home in St. Louis, MO. on 10 days leave right now for Christmas with my parents. On January 3rd, 2009 I have to report back to NSTC (Naval Service Training Command) in Great Lakes, IL. right across the street from RTC Great Lakes, and spend a whole 211 days there for A-School training for my rate as an Electronics Technician (ET). While in boot camp, I made the rank of E-2 5 weeks into it. I haven't received my stripes or my collar devices yet, but I will as soon as I report to my A-School. If you ever have any questions about boot camp at RTC (NOT pertaining to Battle Stations), just e-mail me at thejmann07@gmail.com

-SA Davis, J.R., USN

Inactive Blog

4 Hours left....

Since i won't be able to take my laptop or any electronics with me, i will be unable to update this blog while in basic training, but i promise to do so as soon as i get back. Thanks for all your support everyone!

3 Simple Words...

6 MORE DAYS!!!!

IFA

So, did my IFA today (physical training test). Oh my god, I'm actually quite impressed as to how my body performed today despite going airsofting for 13 hours yesterday carrying 70lbs of gear. Our requirements were 42 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, and be able to run 1.5 miles (6 laps) in 12 minutes 30 seconds. I did 45 push-ups, 75 sit-ups, and finished the run in 11 minutes 25 seconds. My body is telling me one thing right now, "TAKE A FUCKING NAP!" I'm so dead beat tired, and I know I'm going to be even more sore tomorrow. But, oh well, I volunteered to do this, and damnit, I'm going to do it. DIRECTLY after the run we went back to the recruiters office, and one of my shipmates that also did his IFA, made the mistake of drinking a big thing of water as soon as he could, theres nothing more to say other than he was puking for at least 15 minutes. Well, if you have any questions, feel free to email me or leave a comment!

Rescheduled IFA

Woke up around 6:45am today. Jogged roughly 4-5 miles, then walked another 3. Stopped in McDonalds and picked up some orange juice and a couple hash browns. Then came home, did 65 crunches, 40 push-ups, and took a 30 minute nap. Woke up again and turned on the TV, watched some Surf's Up, then woke up my stepmom around noon because she's sick. Called my recruiter to do my weekly check-in, and rescheduled my IFA for Friday @ 10:00am. And now here I am, bored as hell, not sure what to go do right now....any suggestions, just @jmannonjtv me on twitter.

Also, made a new avatar to go with my hair at the moment.

And last but not least, here's my job description. A broad one at that.

24 days...

So what went on today?

2 words: piss test.

passed with flying colors, NOT LITERALLY!

Also scheduled my IFA for next Tuesday @ 10:00am.

28 days left....

First and the ONLY DEP meeting for me.

So, today my recruiter's office held their monthly DEP meeting. Out of 36 DEP Recruits, only 15 or so were able to make it. We first started out by reciting the Sailor's Creed as a whole, then our RINC (Recruiter In-Charge) gave out awards and paygrade raises to those who have successfully completed their DEP PQS book or have given at least 2 referrals. Two DEP recruits today immediately went from paygrade E-1 to E-3 by doing this.

After reciting the Sailor's Creed, we then jogged roughly 3.5-4 miles as a group. Once we came back to the office, we then went over a few ceremonial traditions and practices which then proceeded to us simply giving input as to what our recruiters can do to make the monthly DEP meetings better and what else we can do as DEP recruits to better ourselves before we ship out for basic training.

29 days to go...

72Hour Ren Doc

Went to my recruiter's office today and filled out my 72 hour ren-doc (a paper that must be filled out within 72 hours of enlisting, listing out anything that has changed medically or criminally in the past 72 hours). Petty Officer Posey (ET1) also taught me how to board the quaterdeck and leave the quarterdeck, and how to properly salute officers.

After that, I proceeded to take my 1.5 hour Nuke Test, to see if I would be qualified to enter the Navy's Nuclear Engineering program. It has MAJOR benefits, but also asks the most and demands the most of the Naval recruits that enter the program. After taking that test in the COLD ASS ROOM, made copies of my contract and enlistment bonus guarantee and everything I needed. Then, home. :D

MEPS

So, my first encounter with MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) occurred yesterday. Stayed Wednesday night at the Drury Inn at downtown St. Louis. Being the light sleeper I am, I really didn't get fully to sleep until around 0200. My roommate that was assigned to me was shipping out Thursday for the Army, so he didn't even go to sleep wednesday night. Around 0300, he BURSTS into the room, screaming, YOU AWAKE?!?! I said the first thing that came to mind, "i am now, douchebag!" So, i walked around for 30 minutes until the 0330 wake up call came, at which point i went into the atrium and had breakfast. At 0415, I boarded the shuttle bus to the MEPS Station downtown.

Once at the MEPS station, we began our medical briefing and started filling out roughly 10 pages of paperwork *sigh*. After the briefing, I began my full medical testing for the day: Urinalysis, Blood Test, Hearing Test, Vision Test, Doctor's Interview, and last but not least, the physical. After the physical and after recieving my qualifying chart from the doctors, I proceeded to my Liaison and chose my job in the Navy. I will be in the AECF (Advanced Electronics Computer Field). After I chose my job, I went to get my security clearance and fingerprints done, then went BACK to my Liaison, signed a few more papers, got sworn in, then had my recruiter bring me home around 1600.

Thursday was the farthest thing from a quick process I have ever encountered. I am just extremely happy that I was able to finish all of my testing and get fully enlisted in 1 12hour day.

For any other questions about my job, when I'll be shipping out, or anything else, feel free to email me at thejmann07@gmail.com